Freshlyground to bring Afro-fusion grooves to World Cafe Live

Thursday

They combine Zulu folk fiddle and Xhosa poetry, reggae and Afropop, contemporary beats and a vintage vibe. And often, that's just in one track.

It's no wonder the seven-piece, multi-generational and multi-ethnic Freshlyground has become such an unexpected sensation in South Africa.

And now the ensemble will bring its catchy, upbeat songs to World Café Live in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The group, which joined Shakira on the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," recently released a new album, "Radio Africa," and is looking forward to bringing its bold energy, humor and spontaneity to North America for the first time.

"We've always been different from other bands, in part because we have the flute and violin as mainstays," notes the Zimbabwe-born, classically trained Simon Attwell, who plays flute and mbira (thumb piano) with the group. "That's always been integral to what we're about and what people enjoyed: the mix of different influences and instruments."

This mix comes naturally to the band, a product of the rich complexities of contemporary South Africa.

"There are so many cultures. There are so many people like us, who adhere strictly to their heritage yet mix constantly here in South Africa," explains singer and lyricist Zolani Mahola. "People are in contact with the world, but they are very proud of their ancestors and culture."

The band turns the freewheeling jams Cape Town is known for into perfectly balanced pop songs with deep Southern Africa roots. Its members also individually bring a rich pedigree to the whole, drawing from a tapestry that includes a roots music-loving violinist, a sparkling guitar wizard from Mozambique, a veteran bass rebel who has played with Johnny Clegg, and a singer-songwriter who writes poetry in both English and Xhosa.

Freshlyground's mix of roots, inspiration and craft has taken the band from selling CDs out of its trunks to playing World Cup soccer stadiums in a few short years.

The band will play Downstairs at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St.

Show time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $19 and $22.

Information: 215-222-1400; www.worldcafelive.com.

Naila Francis can be reached at 215-345-3149 or via email atnfrancis@phillyburbs.com.

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